Amaravati, 12th February, 2017: The first of its kind politically neutral platform for women across regions, religions, caste, culture, class, rural-urban backgrounds, Andhra Pradesh Government & MIT School of Government (MIT-SOG) successfully concluded the National Women’s Parliament (NWP) under the visionary leadership of Government of Andhra Pradesh today in Amravathi. A three day conclave held from 10th to 12th February, the NWP received an overwhelming response with participation from over 10000 number of women from different walks of life.

Though the largest democracy, women in India find themselves under-represented and far-removed from decision making levels. The first edition of the National Women’s Parliament aimed at guiding and nurturing young girl students to realize their potential and enable and encourage the social, political and economic empowerment of women in all strata of the society. Attended by more than 100 women Members of Legislative Assemblies and more than 20 Members of Parliament of India, the event intended to establish direct connect with policy makers, leaders and other women of eminence about grass root challenges faced by young women in India.

Several other prominent personalities from different walks of life attended the event discussing about new ideas, concepts, theories and ideologies pertaining to women empowerment. Some of them present were Shri. Nara Chandrababu Naidu, CM, Andhra Pradesh, Ms. Sumitra Mahajan, Speaker, Loksabha.

Speaking on the occasion Mr. Nara Chandrababu Naidu, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and chief patron National Women’s Parliament, said, “I am very happy to host this first of its kind event in Andhra Pradesh at holistic place Pavitra Sangam in this historic Amaravati city. I would like to congratulate Mr. Rahul Karad, MIT-SOG, Dr. Kodela Rao, Speaker Andhra Pradesh Assembly for successfully coordinating and managing the 1st National Women’s Parliament. I am confident that with all the blessings this new beginning will become history not only in India but all over the world. I am very happy that Rahul Karad has taken this initiative and approached Andhra Pradesh government for this event. When I was in Pune last year for Bharatiya Chhatra Sansad where MIT-SOG felicitated me with an ideal chief minister award then only Rahul shared this idea of doing National Women’s Parliament and since then we have worked together to make this happen. So many excellent women from different walks of life assembled here and shared their valuable guidance. This platform will give new direction to globe. Every women should dare to dream and strive to achieve. Hard work and confidence will truly empower the women and I am extremely happy and hopeful for better future looking at tremendous response to 1st National Women Parliament. Till the time any other big state decides to host Women’s parliament Andhra Pradesh will continue to host this event every year.”

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Rahul Karad, Founder & Dean, MIT-SOG and Convenor National Women’s Parliament said, “At MIT SOG, we are committed to creating leaders for tomorrow. Through NWP we want to enable a structured and vibrant network of women representatives and aspiring girl student leaders across the nation. It was heartening to see so many women come to the forefront and put across new ideas and concepts about women empowerment and nation building. This is the first edition and we are honored to be associating with the Andhra Pradesh Government for this exemplary conclave. This conference will evolve very important policies for India and globe.”

Dr. Kodela Rao, Speaker, Andhra Pradesh legislative assembly and key organizer of National Women’s Parliament, “ We are extremely happy looking at the response for first edition of National Women’s Parliament. I would like to thank Mr. Rahul Karad, Chandrababu Naidu and all the people of Andhra Pradesh for supporting us in conducting this event. Next year NWP will be even bigger and larger and we will make sure that this will create a benchmark and pave way for women empowerment in India.”